Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A device comprising: a capillary; a cartridge body having a surface including means for positioning and affixing the capillary directly on the surface such that a proximal end of the capillary is located adjacent to a first end of the cartridge body, wherein the means for positioning and affixing includes an attachment region located on the surface bordered by two slots in the surface, wherein at least one of: the surface of the cartridge body or a protrusion located on the surface of the cartridge body extends above the capillary, and wherein the surface includes means for measuring a volume of fluid located within the capillary; a well tab, wherein the well tab includes a well for holding the volume of fluid; means for pivotally mounting the well tab to the first end of the cartridge body, wherein the means for pivotally mounting enables the well to have a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation, and wherein the well is located adjacent to an end of one of the capillary when the well tab is in the substantially vertical orientation to allow liquid in the well to wick into the capillary.
This invention relates to a fluid handling device designed for precise fluid measurement and transfer, particularly in analytical or diagnostic applications. The device includes a capillary tube and a cartridge body with a surface that positions and secures the capillary directly. The proximal end of the capillary is placed near one end of the cartridge body. The attachment mechanism for the capillary includes an area on the surface bordered by two slots, ensuring stable positioning. Either the cartridge surface or a protrusion on it extends above the capillary, likely to protect or guide fluid flow. The cartridge surface also includes a mechanism for measuring the volume of fluid within the capillary, ensuring accurate quantification. The device further includes a well tab with a well for holding fluid. This tab is pivotally mounted to the cartridge body, allowing it to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations. In the vertical position, the well aligns with the capillary end, enabling liquid to wick into the capillary by capillary action. This design facilitates controlled fluid transfer and measurement, useful in applications requiring precise liquid handling, such as laboratory assays or diagnostic testing. The modular and adjustable nature of the components ensures flexibility in fluid manipulation while maintaining accuracy.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the means for positioning and affixing includes a groove in the surface, wherein the groove extends to the first end of the cartridge body.
3. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a reservoir located at an opposing second end of the cartridge body and means for sealing the reservoir, wherein the reservoir includes a colored liquid, and wherein a surface of the means for positioning and affixing has a color configured to provide a background for viewing the colored liquid in the capillary.
This invention relates to a cartridge device for analyzing a sample, particularly focusing on a system that includes a reservoir containing a colored liquid and a means for sealing the reservoir. The device is designed to address challenges in sample analysis where visual inspection or detection of the colored liquid is critical. The cartridge body has a first end for receiving the sample and a second, opposing end where the reservoir is located. The reservoir contains a colored liquid that interacts with the sample, and the device includes a means for sealing the reservoir to prevent leakage or contamination. A capillary structure is integrated into the cartridge body, allowing the sample to flow and mix with the colored liquid. The surface of the positioning and affixing means, which secures the cartridge in place, is colored to serve as a background for viewing the colored liquid within the capillary. This design enhances visibility and accuracy in detecting changes in the colored liquid, which may indicate the presence or concentration of specific analytes in the sample. The reservoir and sealing mechanism ensure proper containment and controlled interaction between the sample and the colored liquid, improving the reliability of the analysis. The overall system is optimized for portability and ease of use in point-of-care or field testing applications.
4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising at least two additional capillaries and corresponding wells, wherein the first end of the cartridge body is wider than an opposing second end of the cartridge body.
5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the device includes a plurality of well tabs, each well tab including only one well.
This invention relates to a device for handling or processing biological or chemical samples, particularly in laboratory or diagnostic settings. The device addresses the need for precise and efficient sample containment and manipulation, often required in applications such as PCR, ELISA, or other assays where individual sample isolation is critical. The device includes a plurality of well tabs, each containing only one well. These well tabs are designed to be modular, allowing for individual handling or integration into a larger structure. Each well is configured to hold a discrete sample, ensuring minimal cross-contamination and precise volume control. The tabs may be arranged in an array or grid format, enabling parallel processing of multiple samples. The design allows for easy attachment or detachment of individual tabs, facilitating customization of the device for specific applications. The wells may include features such as sealing mechanisms, labeling areas, or connectors for interfacing with other laboratory equipment. The device may also incorporate materials or coatings to enhance compatibility with specific reagents or samples. The modular nature of the tabs allows for scalability, enabling the device to be adapted for high-throughput or low-volume applications. This design improves workflow efficiency, reduces errors, and enhances reproducibility in sample processing.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein a surface forming a bottom of the well includes a secondary well.
A device for fluid handling, particularly for containing and manipulating small volumes of liquid, addresses challenges in precise fluid control and containment in laboratory or analytical applications. The device includes a well structure designed to hold liquid samples, with a primary well having a bottom surface that incorporates a secondary well. The secondary well is integrated into the bottom of the primary well, allowing for additional fluid containment or separation within the same structure. This nested design enables multi-stage fluid processing, such as sequential reactions or separation of components, without transferring the sample between separate containers. The secondary well may be used for secondary containment, mixing, or as a reservoir for reagents, enhancing the device's functionality in applications like chemical assays, biological sample preparation, or microfluidic systems. The primary well and secondary well are dimensioned to ensure compatibility with standard laboratory equipment, such as pipettes or automated liquid handlers, while the secondary well's placement and size are optimized to prevent cross-contamination or unintended mixing. The device may be fabricated from materials such as plastics or glass, ensuring chemical resistance and optical clarity for visualization. This design improves efficiency and reduces the risk of sample loss or contamination in fluid handling workflows.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the means for pivotally mounting includes means for stabilizing the well tab in the substantially vertical orientation.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the means for pivotally mounting includes: an axle mounted to the cartridge body in an orientation substantially perpendicular to an orientation of one of the at least one capillary; a pair of cams located on opposing sides of the axle; a pivot block located on the well tab, wherein the pivot block is configured to contact a central region of the axle on a first side; and a pair of flexible arms located on opposing sides of the well tab, wherein each flexible arm is configured to contact a cam of the pair of cams on a second side opposite the first side.
9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the pair of cams are shaped to stabilize the well tab in the substantially vertical orientation.
10. The device of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the pair of flexible arms includes a rounded section protruding from a bottom surface in contact with at least one of the pair of cams, and wherein the at least one of the pair of cams includes a dent configured to fit the rounded section of the at least one of the pair of flexible arms when the well tab is in the substantially vertical orientation.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the means for pivotally mounting includes a living hinge.
A mechanical device includes a pivoting mechanism that allows a component to rotate relative to another component. The pivoting mechanism incorporates a living hinge, which is a flexible, integral hinge formed from the same material as the adjacent components. This design eliminates the need for separate pivot pins or bearings, reducing part count and assembly complexity. The living hinge provides controlled rotational movement while maintaining structural integrity, making it suitable for applications requiring durability and simplicity. The device may be used in various fields, such as consumer electronics, automotive components, or medical devices, where compact, low-friction pivoting is desired. The living hinge's flexibility allows for repeated motion without wear, and its integration into the device structure ensures consistent performance. This approach improves manufacturability and reduces maintenance requirements compared to traditional pivoting mechanisms.
12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the living hinge includes means for stabilizing the well tab in the substantially vertical orientation.
13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the well tab includes a finger tab configured to extend away from the cartridge body, wherein the finger tab is contoured and extends upward to assist a user in pivoting the well tab.
This invention relates to a device for handling a cartridge, particularly focusing on a well tab feature designed to improve user interaction. The cartridge includes a body with a well tab that facilitates access to internal components. The well tab is equipped with a finger tab that extends outward from the cartridge body, allowing a user to easily grip and pivot the well tab. The finger tab is contoured and angled upward to enhance ergonomics, making it simpler for the user to apply force and manipulate the well tab. This design reduces the effort required to open or close the well tab, improving usability and efficiency in cartridge handling. The well tab itself may be part of a larger mechanism that secures or releases components within the cartridge, ensuring proper alignment and functionality. The finger tab's shape and orientation are optimized to provide a natural grip, minimizing slippage and ensuring precise control during operation. This feature is particularly useful in applications where frequent access to the cartridge's interior is necessary, such as in laboratory or medical settings. The overall design aims to streamline user interaction while maintaining structural integrity and reliability.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the attachment region includes at least one recess.
15. A measurement system comprising: a cartridge body; a reservoir located at a first end of the cartridge body, wherein the reservoir includes a colored liquid; means for sealing the reservoir; a capillary mounted directly on a surface of the cartridge body, wherein at least one of: the surface of the cartridge body or a protrusion located on the surface of the cartridge body extends above the capillary, and wherein the surface includes means for measuring a volume of fluid located within the capillary; a well tab, wherein the well tab includes only one well for holding a volume of fluid, wherein the cartridge body has a color near the capillary configured to provide a background for viewing the colored liquid in the capillary; means for pivotally mounting the well tab to the cartridge body, wherein the means for pivotally mounting enables the well tab to have a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation, wherein the means for pivotally mounting includes means for stabilizing the well tab in the substantially vertical orientation, and wherein the well is located adjacent to an end of the capillary when the well tab is in the substantially vertical orientation to allow liquid in the well to wick into the capillary.
16. The system of claim 15 , further comprising means for acquiring image data of the capillary and the surface.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the means for acquiring comprises a camera on a smartphone, and wherein the smartphone includes program code for managing data corresponding to a measurement performed by the system.
18. The system of claim 16 , wherein the means for acquiring comprises a docking station, wherein the docking station includes means for aligning a camera and the capillary.
19. A measurement system comprising: a cartridge body having a first end wider than a second end located opposite the first end; a plurality of capillaries positioned directly on a surface of the cartridge body, each of the plurality of capillaries having an end located at the first end of the cartridge body, wherein the surface of the cartridge body includes, for each of the plurality of capillaries, an attachment region located on the surface bordered by two slots in the surface, wherein at least one of: the surface of the cartridge body or a protrusion located on the surface of the cartridge body extends above each of the plurality of capillaries, and wherein the surface includes means for measuring a volume of fluid located within the capillary; a set of well tabs including a plurality of wells, wherein each of the plurality of wells is aligned with one of the plurality of capillaries, wherein each of the plurality of wells is configured to hold a unique volume of fluid; and means for pivotally mounting the set of well tabs to the cartridge body, wherein the means for pivotally mounting each well tab in the set of well tabs allows at least one of the plurality of wells to be pivoted between a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation, wherein the at least one of the plurality of wells is located adjacent to an end of one of the plurality of capillaries in the substantially vertical orientation to allow liquid in the well to wick into the capillary.
20. The system of claim 19 , further comprising means for acquiring and processing image data of the plurality of capillaries to measure the volume of fluid in each of the plurality of capillaries.
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March 16, 2021
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